Between the Word and the Body : Tantalus Amulets
Abstract: This article explains magical efficacy of the so-called Tantalus amulets in relationship with their materiality, iconography and language. “Tantalus amulets” are a category of hematite magical gems originating probably in the Eastern Mediterranean of the 3rd century AD, inscribed with the text “Thirsty Tantalus, drink blood.” The purpose of these amulets seems to have been to draw out harmful surplus blood from the body. The magical potency of these carved gemstones stems from several paradoxes that are evoked in the accompanying texts. Tantalus is ordered by the spell to “drink blood” (ΔΙΨΑΣ ΤΑΝΤΑΛΕ ΑΙΜΑ ΠΙΕ—“Drink blood, Tantalus!”).
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Artículo biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Departamento de Historia. Centro de Estudios de Historia del Antiguo Oriente
2019
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| Subjects: | ORIENTE ANTIGUO, HISTORIA ANTIGUA, MAGIA, DIOSES, MITOLOGIA GRIEGA, Tántalo, |
| Online Access: | https://repositorio.uca.edu.ar/handle/123456789/10283 |
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| Summary: | Abstract: This article explains magical efficacy of the so-called Tantalus amulets in relationship
with their materiality, iconography and language. “Tantalus amulets” are a
category of hematite magical gems originating probably in the Eastern Mediterranean
of the 3rd century AD, inscribed with the text “Thirsty Tantalus, drink blood.”
The purpose of these amulets seems to have been to draw out harmful surplus blood
from the body. The magical potency of these carved gemstones stems from several
paradoxes that are evoked in the accompanying texts. Tantalus is ordered by the
spell to “drink blood” (ΔΙΨΑΣ ΤΑΝΤΑΛΕ ΑΙΜΑ ΠΙΕ—“Drink blood, Tantalus!”). |
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